Model Input - Configuration Files

Configuration files are provided to the model in YAML format and must be located in the config/input_files directory. The only file required is simluation.yaml. For the other files, only parameters that deviate from the default values need to be specified. If no configuration files are provided other than simluation.yaml, the model will run entirely using its built-in standard values.

Required configuration file:

• simulation.yaml

Optional configuration files:

• meta_data.yaml

• scenarios.yaml

• optimisation.yaml

• demand_side.yaml

• supply.yaml

• technologies.yaml

All files define parameter names as top-level keys. The exception is technologies.yaml, where technologies appear as the top-level keys and their respective parameters are listed as sub-keys.

Below are example excerpts from two configuration files:

---

Simulation

Configuration file: simulation.yaml

Attribute	Unit	Data type	Description
number_of_days	–	int	Number of days to simulate, starting on 1 Jan. Mainly for testing the model.
district_number	–	int	Identification number assigned to the district. For Swiss municipalities, this is the BFS number and can be found online.
generate_plots	–	bool	The generation of plots can be switched on (true) or off (false).
save_results	–	bool	If set to true, results will be saved in files.
results_dir	–	str	Directory where results files and plots will be saved (must already exist).

Meta Data

Configuration file: meta_data.yaml

Attribute	Unit	Data type	Description
custom_district	–	dict	Properties for a district with custom boundaries.
custom_district: implemented	–	bool	If set to ‘true’, the simulation will be carried out for a district of selected buildings.
custom_district: EGID_List	–	list / df	List of EGIDs of buildings contained in custom district.
custom_district: custom_district_name	–	str	unique name for specified custom district

Scenarios

Configuration file: scenarios.yaml

Attribute	Unit	Data type	Description
demand_side	–	bool	If set to ‘true’, the demand side scenario will be implemented. This scenario consists of future climate and demand scenarios specified in the ‘demand_side’ dict.
fossil_heater_retrofit	–	bool	If set to ‘true’, the fossil heating system retrofit scenario will be implemented. A fraction of the fossil heating capacity will be replaced by heat pumps. The fraction of replacement can be set in the respective technologies (oil_boiler, gas_boiler, wood_boiler).
pv_integration	–	bool	If set to ‘true’, the PV integration scenario will be implemented. A specified share of the additional PV potential will be implemented. The share can be set in the solar_pv technology.
wind_integration	–	bool	If set to ‘true’, the wind power integration scenario will be implemented. A specified share of the additional wind power potential will be implemented. The share can be set in the wind_power technology.
thermal_energy_storage	–	bool	If set to ‘true’, the thermal energy storage (TES) scenario will be implemented. A TES of specified size will be integrated in the energy system and charged/discharged by heat pump. The TES specifications can be set in the ‘tes’ technology.
nuclear_phaseout	–	bool	If set to ‘true’, a nuclear phaseout will be considered in the simulation, based on the selected year in the ‘demand_side’ dict.

Optimisation

Configuration file: optimisation.yaml

Attribute	Unit	Data type	Description
enabled	–	bool	MILP optimisation is enabled if set to “True”.
clustering	–	bool
objective_monetary	–	float	Weight of monetary objective for objective function in optimisation.
objective_co2	–	float	Weight of emissions objective for objective function in optimisation.
objective_ess	–	float	Weight of energy-self-sufficiency (ess) objective for objective function in optimisation.
objective_tss	–	float	Weight of thermal-self-sufficiency (tss) objective for objective function in optimisation.
bigM_value	CHF/kWh	float	Default: 1e9; cost of unmet demand; large value makes model convergence slow; https://calliope.readthedocs.io/en/stable/user/building.html#allowing-for-unmet-demand
solver	–	string	Solver for optimisation, e.g. ‘cbc’, ‘gutobi’, etc. Must be compatible with Calliope.
solver_option_NumericFocus	–	int	Default: 0; https://docs.gurobi.com/projects/optimizer/en/current/reference/parameters.html#parameternumericfocus
solver_option_TimeLimit	s	int	Default: ‘Infinity’; https://docs.gurobi.com/projects/optimizer/en/current/reference/parameters.html#timelimit
solver_option_Presolve	–	int	Default: -1; https://docs.gurobi.com/projects/optimizer/en/current/reference/parameters.html#presolve
solver_option_Aggregate	–	int	Default: 1; https://docs.gurobi.com/projects/optimizer/en/current/reference/parameters.html#aggregate
solver_option_FeasibilityTol	var	float	Default: 1e-6; https://docs.gurobi.com/projects/optimizer/en/current/reference/parameters.html#feasibilitytol
solver_option_MIPGap	–	float	Default: 1e-4; https://docs.gurobi.com/projects/optimizer/en/current/reference/parameters.html#mipgap
MIPGap_increase	–	bool	If set to True, MIPGap will be increased to 0.01 if a storage technology is activated in order to avoid numerical problems.
save_math_model	–	bool	If set to ‘true’, the math. model formulations are written to an .lp file; can take long to produce and result in large file;
save_calliope_files	–	bool	If set to ‘True’, the calliope files (input and results) will be saved.

Demand Side

Configuration file: demand_side.yaml

Attribute	Unit	Data type	Description
year	–	int	Year to be simulated. Takes into account future weather scenario and retrofitting of buildings. Options: ‘2023’, ‘2030’, ‘2040’, ‘2050’.
rcp_scenario	–	str	Representative Concentration Pathways (RCP) for future climate. Options: ‘RCP26’.
ev_integration	–	bool	If set to ‘true’, electrification of mobility sector will be considered and electricity demand profiles will be adjusted accordingly.
ev_flexibility	–	bool	If set to ‘true’, the available flexibility in demand shifting stemming from the EV demand will be considered in the optimisation.

Supply

Configuration file: supply.yaml

Attribute	Unit	Data type	Description
hv_oil_MJpkg	[MJ/kg]	float	Lower heating value of oil.
oil_price_CHFpl	[CHF/l]	float	Oil price (annual fixed value).
hv_gas_MJpkg	[MJ/kg]	float	Lower heating value of gas.
gas_price_CHFpkWh	[CHF/kWh]	float	Gas price (annual fixed value).
hv_wood_MJpkg	[MJ/kg]	float	Lower heating value of wood.
wood_price_CHFpkg	[CHF/kg]	float	Wood price (annual fixed value).
hv_msw_MJpkg	[MJ/kg]	float	Lower heating value of municipal solid waste (MSW).
msw_price_CHFpkg	[CHF/kg]	float	Price of municipal solid waste. Will usually be negative (i.e. revenue).

Technologies

Configuration file: technologies.yaml

Heat Pump

Top key: heat_pump

Attribute	Unit	Data type	Description
deployment	–	bool	If set to ‘true’, the technology will be considered in the energy system model (this does not necessarily mean it will be used). Only relevant for optimisation.
kW_th_max	kW	str	Maximum thermal capacity (i.e. heat output).
co2_intensity	kg CO2/kWh	float	Carbon-dioxide intensity of technology output (annual average value).
lifetime	years	int	Expected lifetime of technology before replacement is required.
interest_rate	–	float	Interest rate for computing levelised costs (if required).
capex	CHF/kWp	float	CAPEX cost of technology per unit of capacity (new installations).
capex_one_to_one_replacement	CHF/kWp	float	CAPEX cost of technology per unit of capacity (when device has reached the end of life).
maintenance_cost	CHF/kWp/year	float	OPEX cost of technology.
fixed_demand_share		bool
fixed_demand_share_val		float
only_allow_existing	–	bool	If True, only existing heat pumps are allowed to continue to operate.
cop_mode	–	str	Method for estimating the COP timeseries. Options are: “from_file”, “constant”, “from_file_adjusted_to_spf”, “location_based”. “location_based” is an intricate algorithm taking into account building and heat pump properties as well as the local weather (detailed description below). “constant” means that a constant COP is used. “from_file” means means that a timeseries loaded from a given file is used. “from_file_adjusted_to_spf” means that a timeseries loaded form a file is is scaled s.t. a given value for the seasonal performance factor (SPF) is reached
cop_timeseries_file_path	<path>	str	Path to COP timeseries file for mode “form_file” and “from_file_adjusted_to_spf”
cop_constant_value	–	float	Constant COP value to use if cop_mode=constant
spf_to_target	–	float	Seasonal performance factor (SPF) to which the COP is adjusted in the mode from_file_adjusted_spf
quality_factor_ashp_new	–	float	Quality factor for new ASHPs for mode “location_based”.
quality_factor_ashp_old	–	float	Quality factor for old ASHPs for mode “location_based”.
quality_factor_gshp_new	–	float	Quality factor for new GSHPs for mode “location_based”.
quality_factor_gshp_old	–	float	Quality factor for old GSHPs for mode “location_based”.

Electric Heater

Top key: electric_heater

Attribute	Unit	Data type	Description
deployment	–	bool	If set to ‘true’, the technology will be considered in the energy system model (this does not necessarily mean it will be used). Only relevant for optimisation.
kW_max	kW	float	Maximum thermal capacity (i.e. heat output).
co2_intensity	kg CO2/kWh	float	Carbon-dioxide intensity of technology output (annual average value).
lifetime	years	int	Expected lifetime of technology before replacement is required.
interest_rate	–	float	Interest rate for computing levelised costs (if required).
replacement_factor	–	float	share of electric heaters replaced in fossil_heater_retrofit scenario
capex	CHF/kWp	float	CAPEX cost of technology per unit of capacity.
capex_one_to_one_replacement	CHF/kWp	float	CAPEX cost of technology per unit of capacity (when device has reached the end of life)
maintenance_cost	CHF/kWp/year	float	OPEX cost of technology.
fixed_demand_share	–	bool
fixed_demand_share_val	–	float

Oil Boiler

Top key: oil_boiler

Attribute	Unit	Data type	Description
deployment	–	bool	If set to ‘true’, the technology will be considered in the energy system model (this does not necessarily mean it will be used). Only relevant for optimisation.
kW_th_max	kW	float	Maximum thermal capacity (i.e. heat output).
hv_oil_MJpkg	MJ/kg	float	Lower heating value of oil.
eta	–	float	Conversion efficiency from fuel to heat.
oil_price_CHFpl	CHF/l	float	Oil price (annual fixed value).
co2_intensity	kg CO2/kWh	float	Carbon-dioxide intensity of technology output (annual average value).
lifetime	years	int	Expected lifetime of technology before replacement is required.
interest_rate	–	float	Interest rate for computing levelised costs (if required).
replacement_factor	–	float	Used for scenario ‘fossil_heater_retrofit’. Fraction of heating capacity to be replaced by heat pumps.
capex	CHF/kWp	float	CAPEX cost of technology per unit of capacity.
capex_one_to_one_replacement	CHF/kWp	float	CAPEX cost of technology per unit of capacity (when device has reached the end of life)
maintenance_cost	CHF/kWp/year	float	OPEX cost of technology.
fixed_demand_share	–	bool
fixed_demand_share_val	–	float
only_allow_existing	bool	bool

Gas Boiler

Top key: gas_boiler

Attribute	Unit	Data type	Description
deployment	–	bool	If set to ‘true’, the technology will be considered in the energy system model (this does not necessarily mean it will be used). Only relevant for optimisation.
kW_th_max	kW	float	Maximum thermal capacity (i.e. heat output).
hv_gas_MJpkg	MJ/kg	float	Lower heating value of gas.
eta	–	float	Conversion efficiency from fuel to heat.
gas_price_CHFpkWh	CHF/kWh	float	Gas price (annual fixed value).
co2_intensity	kg CO2/kWh	float	Carbon-dioxide intensity of technology output (annual average value).
lifetime	years	int	Expected lifetime of technology before replacement is required.
interest_rate	–	float	Interest rate for computing levelised costs (if required).
replacement_factor	–	float	Used for scenario ‘fossil_heater_retrofit’. Fraction of heating capacity to be replaced by heat pumps.
capex	CHF/kWp	float	CAPEX cost of technology per unit of capacity.
capex_one_to_one_replacement	CHF/kWp	float	CAPEX cost of technology per unit of capacity (when device has reached the end of life)
maintenance_cost	CHF/kWp/year	float	OPEX cost of technology.
fixed_demand_share		bool
fixed_demand_share_val		float
only_allow_existing		bool

Wood Boiler

Top key: wood_boiler

Attribute	Unit	Data type	Description
deployment	–	bool	If set to ‘true’, the technology will be considered in the energy system model (this does not necessarily mean it will be used). Only relevant for optimisation.
kW_th_max	kW	float	Maximum thermal capacity (i.e. heat output).
hv_wood_MJpkg	MJ/kg	float	Lower heating value of wood.
eta	–	float	Conversion efficiency from fuel to heat.
wood_price_CHFpkg	CHF/kg	float	Wood price (annual fixed value).
co2_intensity	kg CO2/kWh	float	Carbon-dioxide intensity of technology output (annual average value).
lifetime	years	int	Expected lifetime of technology before replacement is required.
interest_rate	–	float	Interest rate for computing levelised costs (if required).
replacement_factor	–	float	Used for scenario ‘fossil_heater_retrofit’. Fraction of heating capacity to be replaced by heat pumps.
capex	CHF/kWp	float	CAPEX cost of technology per unit of capacity.
capex_one_to_one_replacement		float	CAPEX cost of technology per unit of capacity (when device has reached the end of life)
maintenance_cost		float	OPEX cost of technology.
fixed_demand_share		bool
fixed_demand_share_val		float
only_allow_existing		bool

District Heating

Top key: district_heating

Attribute	Unit	Data type	Description
deployment	–	bool	If set to ‘true’, the technology will be considered in the energy system model (this does not necessarily mean it will be used). Only relevant for optimisation.
demand_share_type		str
demand_share_val		float
import_kW_th_max	kW	float	Maximum thermal capacity of heat import (from outside the municipality).
grid_kW_th_max	kW	float	Maximum thermal capacity of the grid.
investment_dh_grid_per_m	CHF/m	int
maintenance_cost_dh_grid_per_m	CHF/m/year	int
closeness_based_dh_expansio_cost		bool
capex	CHF/kW	float
maintenance_cost	CHF/kW/year	float
tariff_CHFpkWh	CHF/kWh	float	Tariff for imported heat.
co2_intensity	kg CO2/kWh	float	Carbon-dioxide intensity of technology output (annual average value).
lifetime	years	int	Expected lifetime of technology before replacement is required.
interest_rate	–	float	Interest rate for computing levelised costs (if required).
heat_sources	–	dict	Connected heat sources
heat_sources: import	–	bool	If set to ‘true’, heat import is allowed (based on ‘import_kW_th_max’)
heat_sources: chp_gt	–	bool	If set to ‘true’, CHP gas turbine plant is connected to district heating network (DHN). Technology must be deployed accordingly.
heat_sources: steam_turbine	–	bool	If set to ‘true’, steam turbine is connected to the DHN. Technology must be deployed accordingly.
heat_sources: waste_to_energy	–	bool	If set to ‘true’, the waste-to-energy plant is connected to the DHN. Technology must be deployed accordingly.
heat_sources: heat_pump_cp	–	bool	If set to ‘true’, a central heat pump is connected to the DHN. Technology must be deployed accordingly.
heat_sources: heat_pump_cp_lt	–	bool	If set to ‘true’, a central heat pump converting low-temperature waste heat into useful heat is connected to the DHN. Technology must be deployed accordingly.
heat_sources: oil_boiler_cp	–	bool	If set to ‘true’, a central oil boiler is connected to the DHN. Technology must be deployed accordingly.
heat_sources: electric_heat_cp	–	bool	If set to ‘true’, a central electric resistance heater is connected to the DHN. Technology must be deployed accordingly.
heat_sources: wood_boiler_cp	–	bool	If set to ‘true’, a central wood boiler is connected to the DHN. Technology must be deployed accordingly.
heat_sources: gas_boiler_cp	–	bool	If set to ‘true’, a central gas boiler is connected to the DHN. Technology must be deployed accordingly.
heat_sources: waste_heat	–	bool	If set to ‘true’, a hot waste heat source is connected to the DHN. Technology must be deployed accordingly.
heat_sources: biomass	–	bool	If set to ‘true’, biomass technologies are connected to the DHN. Technology must be deployed accordingly.

Solar Thermal

Top key: solar_thermal

Attribute	Unit	Data type	Description
deployment	–	bool	If set to ‘true’, the technology will be considered in the energy system model (this does not necessarily mean it will be used). Only relevant for optimisation.
kW_th_max	kW	float	Maximum thermal capacity (i.e. heat output).
eta_overall	–	float	Overall conversion efficiency from solar radiation to heat output.
co2_intensity	kg CO2/kWh	float	Carbon-dioxide intensity of technology output (annual average value).
lifetime	years	int	Expected lifetime of technology before replacement is required.
interest_rate	–	float	Interest rate for computing levelised costs (if required).
capex	CHF/kWp	float	CAPEX cost of technology per unit of capacity.
capex_one_to_one_replacement	CHF/kWp	float	CAPEX cost of technology per unit of capacity (when device has reached the end of life)
maintenance_cost	CHF/kWp/year	float	OPEX cost of technology.

Solar Photovoltaic (PV)

Top key: solar_pv

Attribute	Unit	Data type	Description
deployment	–	bool	If set to ‘true’, the technology will be considered in the energy system model (this does not necessarily mean it will be used). Only relevant for optimisation.
kWp_max	kW	float	Kilowatt Peak: Maximum power output of PV system under standard test conditions (STC).
eta_overall	–	float	Overall conversion efficiency from solar radiation to electricity output at AC side.
co2_intensity	kg CO2/kWh	float	Carbon-dioxide intensity of technology output (annual average value).
lifetime	years	int	Expected lifetime of technology before replacement is required.
capex	CHF/kWp	float	CAPEX cost of technology per unit of capacity.
maintenance_cost	CHF/kWp/year	float	OPEX cost of the technology.
interest_rate	–	float	Interest rate for computing levelised costs (if required).
potential_integration_factor	–	float	Used for scenario ‘pv_integration’. This factor specifies the fraction of additional solar VP potential to be implemented. The additional PV potential is based on suitable roof-space that is not yet covered with PV.
virtual_export_tariff	CHF/kWh	float	virtual export tarriff to prefer internal usage of the electricity
export_subsidy	CHF/kWh	float	subsidy to make export more likely (and prevent cycling of storages to curtail energy)
only_use_installed	–	bool

Wind Power

Top key: wind_power

Attribute	Unit	Data type	Description
deployment	–	bool	If set to ‘true’, the technology will be considered in the energy system model (this does not necessarily mean it will be used). Only relevant for optimisation.
kWp_max	kW	float	Kilowatt Peak: Maximum power output of wind power system.
kWp_max_systemwide		float
co2_intensity	kg CO2/kWh	float	Carbon-dioxide intensity of technology output (annual average value).
lifetime	years	int	Expected lifetime of technology before replacement is required.
maintenance_cost	CHF/kWp/year	float
capex_CHFpkWp	CHF/kWp	float	CAPEX cost of technology per unit of capacity.
interest_rate	–	float	Interest rate for computing levelised costs (if required).
potential_integration_factor	–	float	Used for scenario ‘wind_power_integration’. This factor specifies the fraction of additional wind power potential to be implemented. The additional wind power potential is based on a a simulation done by Wind-Topo.
virtual_export_tariff	CHF/kWh	float	virtual export tarriff to prefer internal usage of the electricity
export_subsidy	CHF/kWh	float	subsidy to make export more likely (and prevent cycling of storages to curtail energy)
wind_power_installed_allocation	–	str	Decision on whether the installed wind power will be counted towards the local electricity generation or towards the national electricity mix. Options: ‘national’, ‘local’
v_e_wp_national_recalc	–	bool	If set to ‘true, recalculation of hourly national wind power profile of installed capacity will be carried out; default should be ‘false’, as this is only required when new wind power plants have been installed.

Hydro Power

Top key: hydro_power

Attribute	Unit	Data type	Description
deployment	–	bool	If set to ‘true’, the technology will be considered in the energy system model (this does not necessarily mean it will be used). Only relevant for optimisation.
kWp_max	kW	float	Kilowatt Peak: Maximum power output of hydro power plants.
existing_decentralised		bool
co2_intensity	kg CO2/kWh	float	Carbon-dioxide intensity of technology output (annual average value).
lifetime	years	int	Expected lifetime of technology before replacement is required.
capex	CHF/kWp	float	CAPEX cost of technology per unit of capacity.
maintenance_cost	CHF/kWp/year	float	OPEX cost of technology.
interest_rate	–	float	Interest rate for computing levelised costs (if required).
virtual_export_tariff	CHF/kWh	float	virtual export tarriff to prefer internal usage of the electricity
export_subsidy	CHF/kWh	float	subsidy to make export more likely (and prevent cycling of storages to curtail energy)

Grid Supply

Top key: grid_supply

Attribute	Unit	Data type	Description
deployment	–	bool	If set to ‘true’, the technology will be considered in the energy system model (this does not necessarily mean it will be used). Only relevant for optimisation.
kW_max	kW	float	Maximum supply capacity of grid connection.
tariff_CHFpkWh	CHF/kWh	float	Electricity tariff (annual fixed value).
co2_intensity	kg CO2/kWh	float	Carbon-dioxide intensity of technology output (annual average value).
lifetime	years	int	Expected lifetime of technology before replacement is required.
interest_rate	–	float	Interest rate for computing levelised costs (if required).

Thermal Energy Storage (TES) - centralised

Top key: tes

Attribute	Unit	Data type	Description
deployment	–	bool	If set to ‘true’, the technology will be considered in the energy system model (this does not necessarily mean it will be used). Only relevant for optimisation.
force_asynchronous_prod_con	–	bool	If set to ‘true’, the tes cannot be charged and discharged simultaneously
eta_chg_dchg	–	float	Charging and discharging efficiency (fixed). Roundtrip-efficiency is calculated as eta_chg_dchg*eta_chg_dchg.
tes_gamma	1/timestep	float	Loss rate: fraction of heat lost to the environment during one timestep (e.g. 1 hour)
capacity_kWh	kWh	float	Storage capacity.
force_cap_max		bool
chg_dchg_per_cap_max	1/timestep	float	Max. charge/discharge (kW) per storage cap (kWh) per timestep.
initial_charge	–	float	Initial charge of battery (fraction of total storage capacity)
optimized_initial_charge		bool
connections	–	dict	Technologies connected to TES can be switched on (True) of off (False).
connections: district_heating_network	–	bool	If set to ‘true’, the district heating network is connected to TES. Technology must be deployed accordingly.
connections: district_heat_import	–	bool	If set to ‘true’, district_heat_import is connected to TES. Technology must be deployed accordingly.
connections: chp_gt	–	bool	If set to ‘true’, the CHP gas turbine is connected to TES. Technology must be deployed accordingly.
connections: steam_turbine	–	bool	If set to ‘true’, the steam turbine is connected to TES. Technology must be deployed accordingly.
connections: waste_to_energy	–	bool	If set to ‘true’, the waset-to-energy plant is connected to TES. Technology must be deployed accordingly.
connections: oil_boiler_cp	–	bool	If set to ‘true’, a centralised oil boiler is connected to TES. Technology must be deployed accordingly.
connections: electric_heater_cp	–	bool	If set to ‘true’, a centralised electric heater is connected to TES. Technology must be deployed accordingly.
connections: wood_boiler_cp	–	bool	If set to ‘true’, a centralised wood boiler is connected to TES. Technology must be deployed accordingly.
connections: gas_boiler_cp	–	bool	If set to ‘true’, a centralised gas boiler is connected to TES. Technology must be deployed accordingly.
connections: heat_pump_cp	–	bool	If set to ‘true’, a centralised heat pump is connected to TES. Technology must be deployed accordingly.
connections: heat_pump_cp_lt	–	bool	If set to ‘true’, a centralised heat pump converting low-temperature waste heat to high-temperature useful heat is connected to TES. Technology must be deployed accordingly.
connections: waste_heat	–	bool	If set to ‘true’, a waste heat source is connected to TES. Technology must be deployed accordingly.
connections: biomass	–	bool	If set to ‘true’, a biomass technologies are connected to TES. Technology must be deployed accordingly.
co2_intensity	kg CO2/kWh	float	Carbon-dioxide intensity of technology output (annual average value).
lifetime	years	int	Expected lifetime of technology before replacement is required.
capex	CHF/kWh	float	CAPEX of TES per kWh capacity
maintenance_cost	CHF/kWh/year	float	OPEX of TES per kWh capacity and year
interest_rate	–	float	Interest rate for computing levelised costs (if required).

Thermal Energy Storage (TES) - decentralised

Top key: tes_decentralised

Attribute	Unit	Data type	Description
deployment	–	bool	If set to ‘true’, the technology will be considered in the energy system model (this does not necessarily mean it will be used). Only relevant for optimisation.
force_asynchronous_prod_con	–	bool	If set to ‘true’, the tes cannot be charged and discharged simultaneously
eta_chg_dchg	–	float	Charging and discharging efficiency (fixed). Roundtrip-efficiency is calculated as eta_chg_dchg*eta_chg_dchg.
tes_gamma	1/timestep	float	Loss rate: fraction of heat lost to the environment during one timestep (e.g. 1 hour)
capacity_kWh	kWh	float	Storage capacity.
chg_dchg_per_cap_max	1/timestep	float	Max. charge/discharge (kW) per storage cap (kWh) per timestep.
initial_charge	–	float	Initial charge of battery (fraction of total storage capacity)
optimized_initial_charge	–	bool
connections	–	dict	Technologies connected to TES can be switched on (True) of off (False).
connections: heat_pump	–	bool	If set to ‘true’, decentralised heat pumps are connected to TES. Technology must be deployed accordingly.
connections: solar_thermal	–	bool	If set to ‘true’, decentralised heat pumps are connected to TES. Technology must be deployed accordingly.
co2_intensity	kg CO2/kWh	float	Carbon-dioxide intensity of technology output (annual average value).
lifetime	years	int	Expected lifetime of technology before replacement is required.
capex	CHF/kWh
maintenance_cost	CHF/kWh/year	float	OPEX cost of technology
interest_rate	–	float	Interest rate for computing levelised costs (if required).

Battery Energy Storage (BES)

Top key: bes

Attribute	Unit	Data type	Description
deployment	–	bool	If set to ‘true’, the technology will be considered in the energy system model (this does not necessarily mean it will be used). Only relevant for optimisation.
force_asynchronous_prod_con	–	bool	If set to ‘true’, the tes cannot be charged and discharged simultaneously
eta_chg_dchg	–	float	Charging and discharging efficiency (fixed). Roundtrip-efficiency is calculated as eta_chg_dchg*eta_chg_dchg.
bes_gamma	1/timestep	float	Loss rate: fraction of electricity lost during one timestep (e.g. 1 hour)
capacity_kWh	kWh	float	Storage capacity.
chg_dchg_per_cap_max	1/timestep	float	Max. charge/discharge (kW) per storage cap (kWh) per timestep.
initial_charge	–	float	Initial charge of battery (fraction of total storage capacity)
optimized_initial_charge	–	bool
co2_intensity	kg CO2/kWh	float	Carbon-dioxide intensity of technology output (annual average value).
lifetime	years	int	Expected lifetime of technology before replacement is required.
interest_rate	–	float	Interest rate for computing levelised costs (if required).
capex	CHF/kWh		CAPEX cost of technology per unit of capacity.
maintenance_cost	CHF/kWh/year	float	OPEX of the technology

Biomass

Top key: biomass

Attribute	Unit	Data type	Description
deployment	–	bool	If set to ‘true’, the technology will be considered in the energy system model (this does not necessarily mean it will be used). Only relevant for optimisation.

Hydrothermal Gasification

Top key: hydrothermal_gasification

Attribute	Unit	Data type	Description
deployment	–	bool	If set to ‘true’, the technology will be considered in the energy system model (this does not necessarily mean it will be used). Only relevant for optimisation.
color	hex	str	Color for plot
efficiancy	–	float	Conversion efficiency
capacity_kW	kW	float	maximum power
co2_intensity	kg CO2/kWh	float	Carbon-dioxide intensity of technology output (annual average value).
lifetime	years	int	Expected lifetime of technology before replacement is required.
om_cost	CHF/kWh	float	Operation and maintenance cost per consumed carrier unit
capital_cost	CHF/kWp	float	CAPEX cost of technology per unit of capacity.
maintenance_cost	CHF/kWp/year	float	OPEX cost of the technology per unit of capacity
interest_rate	–	float	Interest rate for computing levelised costs (if required).

Anaerobic Digestion Upgrade

Top key: anaerobic_digestion_upgrade

Attribute	Unit	Data type	Description
deployment	–	bool	If set to ‘true’, the technology will be considered in the energy system model (this does not necessarily mean it will be used). Only relevant for optimisation.
color	hex	str	Color for plot
efficiancy	–	float	Conversion efficiency
capacity_kW	kWh	float	maximum power
co2_intensity	kg CO2/kWh	float	Carbon-dioxide intensity of technology output (annual average value).
lifetime	years	int	Expected lifetime of technology before replacement is required.
om_cost	CHF/kWh	float	Operation and maintenance cost per consumed carrier unit
capital_cost	CHF/kWp	float	CAPEX cost of technology per unit of capacity.
maintenance_cost	CHF/kWp/year	float	OPEX cost of technology per unit capacity
interest_rate	–	float	Interest rate for computing levelised costs (if required).

Anaerobic Digestion Upgrade Hydrogen

Top key: anaerobic_digestion_upgrade_hydrogen

Attribute	Unit	Data type	Description
deployment	–	bool	If set to ‘true’, the technology will be considered in the energy system model (this does not necessarily mean it will be used). Only relevant for optimisation.
color	hex	str	Color for plot
fluid	–	bool	does the process have a fluidised bed
methane percentage		float	methane produced per input
efficiancy_primary	–	float	Conversion efficiency
efficiancy_secondary		float	Conversion efficiency
capacity_kWh	kWh	float	maximum output
co2_intensity	kg CO2/kWh	float	Carbon-dioxide intensity of technology output (annual average value).
lifetime	years	int	Expected lifetime of technology before replacement is required.
om_cost	CHF/kWh	float	Operation and maintenance cost per consumed carrier unit
capital_cost	CHF/kWp	float	CAPEX cost of technology per unit of capacity.
maintenance_cost	CHF/kWp/year	float	OPEX cost of technology per unit of capacity.
interest_rate	–	float	Interest rate for computing levelised costs (if required).

Anaerobic Digestion Combined Heat and Power (CHP)

Top key: anaerobic_digestion_chp

Wood Gasification Upgrade

Top key: wood_gasification_upgrade

Attribute	Unit	Data type	Description
deployment	–	bool	If set to ‘true’, the technology will be considered in the energy system model (this does not necessarily mean it will be used). Only relevant for optimisation.
color	hex	str	Color for plot
efficiancy	–	float	Conversion efficiency
fluid	–	bool	does the process have a fluidised bed
capacity_kWh	kWh	float	maximum output
co2_intensity	kg CO2/kWh	float	Carbon-dioxide intensity of technology output (annual average value).
lifetime	years	int	Expected lifetime of technology before replacement is required.
capital_cost	CHF/kWp	float	CAPEX cost of technology per unit of capacity.
maintenance_cost	CHF/kWp/year	float	OPEX cost of technology per unit of capacity.
interest_rate	–	float	Interest rate for computing levelised costs (if required).

Wood Gasification Upgrade Hydrogen

Top key: wood_gasification_upgrade_hydrogen

Attribute	Unit	Data type	Description
deployment	–	bool	If set to ‘true’, the technology will be considered in the energy system model (this does not necessarily mean it will be used). Only relevant for optimisation.
color	hex	str	Color for plot
fluid		bool	does the process have a fluidised bed
methane_percentage		float	methane produced per input
efficiancy_primary	–	float	Conversion efficiency
efficiancy_secondary		float	Conversion efficiency
capacity_kWh	kWh	float	maximum output
co2_intensity	kg CO2/kWh	float	Carbon-dioxide intensity of technology output (annual average value).
lifetime	years	int	Expected lifetime of technology before replacement is required.
om_cost	CHF/kWh	float	Operation and maintenance cost per consumed carrier unit
capital_cost	CHF/kWp	float	CAPEX cost of technology per unit of capacity.
maintenance_cost	CHF/kWp/year	float	OPEX cost of the technology per unit of capacity
interest_rate	–	float	Interest rate for computing levelised costs (if required).

Wood Digestion Combined Heat and Power (CHP)

Top key: wood_digestion_chp

Hydrogen Production

Top key: hydrogen_production

Attribute	Unit	Data type	Description
deployment	–	bool	If set to ‘true’, the technology will be considered in the energy system model (this does not necessarily mean it will be used). Only relevant for optimisation.
color	hex	str	Color for plot
efficiancy	–	float	Conversion efficiency
capacity_kWh	kWh (kW?)	float	maximum output
co2_intensity	kg CO2/kWh	float	Carbon-dioxide intensity of technology output (annual average value).
lifetime	years	int	Expected lifetime of technology before replacement is required.
om_cost	CHF/kWh	float	Operation and maintenance cost per consumed carrier unit
capital_cost	CHF/kWp	float	CAPEX cost of technology per unit of capacity.
maintenance_cost	CHF/kWp/year	float	OPEX cost of technology per unit of capacity.
interest_rate	–	float	Interest rate for computing levelised costs (if required).

Gas Turbine Combined Heat and Power (CHP) - small scale

Top key: chp_gt

Attribute	Unit	Data type	Description
deployment	–	bool	If set to ‘true’, the technology will be considered in the energy system model (this does not necessarily mean it will be used). Only relevant for optimisation.
deploy_existing	–	bool	If set to ‘true’, existing gas turbine will be deployable.
kW_el_max	kW	float	Maximum capacity (electric power output) of newly built CHP gas turbines.
force_cap_max	kW	bool	Force implementation of maximum capacity specified in kW_el_max. Only relevant for optimisation.
hv_gas_MJpkg	MJ/kg	float	Heating value (lower) of gas
eta_el		float	Electrical conversion effiency.
htp_ratio	kW_th/kW_el	float	Heat-to-power (htp) ratio (kW_th/kW_el)
gas_price_CHFpkWh	CHF/kWh	float	Price of gas.
co2_intensity	kg CO2/kWh	float	Carbon-dioxide intensity of technology output (annual average value).
lifetime	years	int	Expected lifetime of technology before replacement is required.
capital_cost	CHF/kWp	float	CAPEX cost of technology per unit of capacity.
maintenance_cost	CHF/kWp/year	float	OPEX cost of technology per unit of capacity.
interest_rate	–	float	Interest rate for computing levelised costs (if required).
allow_heat_export	–	bool	Is it allowed to export heat?
heat_export_subsidy	CHF/kWh	float	Export subsidy for heat. Can be needed when optimizing in the LP-mode.

Gas Turbine - centralised plant (cp)

Top key: gas_turbine_cp

Attribute	Unit	Data type	Description
deployment	–	bool	If set to ‘true’, the technology will be considered in the energy system model (this does not necessarily mean it will be used). Only relevant for optimisation.
kW_el_max	kW	float	Maximum electrical power output.
force_cap_max	kW	bool	Force implementation of maximum capacity specified in kW_el_max. Only relevant for optimisation.
cap_min_use	kW	float	Minimum capacity to use.
hv_gas_MJpkg	MJ/kg	float	Heating value (lower) of gas
eta_el	–	float	Electrical conversion effiency.
htp_ratio	kW_th/kW_el	float	Heat-to-power (htp) ratio (kW_th/kW_el)
co2_intensity	kg CO2/kWh	float	Carbon-dioxide intensity of technology output (annual average value).
lifetime	years	int	Expected lifetime of technology before replacement is required.
capital_cost	CHF/kWp	float	CAPEX cost of technology per unit of capacity.
maintenance_cost	CHF/kWp/year	float	OPEX cost of technolgoy per unit of capacity
interest_rate	–	float	Interest rate for computing levelised costs (if required).

Steam Turbine

Top key: steam_turbine

Attribute	Unit	Data type	Description
deployment	–	bool	If set to ‘true’, the technology will be considered in the energy system model (this does not necessarily mean it will be used). Only relevant for optimisation.
kW_el_max	kW	float	Maximum electrical power output.
force_cap_max	kW	bool	Force implementation of maximum capacity specified in kW_h_max. Only relevant for optimisation.
grid_charges	CHF/kWh	float	Grid charges (additional cost of electricity)
cap_min_use	kW	float	Minimum capacity to deploy.
eta_el	–	float	Electrical conversion effiency.
htp_ratio	kW_th/kW_el	float	Heat-to-power (htp) ratio (kW_th/kW_el)
co2_intensity	kg CO2/kWh	float	Carbon-dioxide intensity of technology output (annual average value).
lifetime	years	int	Expected lifetime of technology before replacement is required.
capital_cost	CHF/kWp	float	CAPEX cost of technology per unit of capacity.
maintenance_cost	CHF/kWp/year	int
interest_rate	–	float	Interest rate for computing levelised costs (if required).
allow_heat_export	–	bool
heat_export_subsidy	CHF/kWh	float

Wood Boiler - centralised plant (cp)

Top key: wood_boiler_cp

Attribute	Unit	Data type	Description
deployment	–	bool	If set to ‘true’, the technology will be considered in the energy system model (this does not necessarily mean it will be used). Only relevant for optimisation.
kW_th_max	kW	str	Maximum thermal power output
hv_wood_MJpkg	MJ/kg	float
eta	–	float	Efficiency of the wood boiler
co2_intensity	kg CO2/kWh	float	Carbon-dioxide intensity of technology output (annual average value).
lifetime	years	int	Expected lifetime of technology before replacement is required.
interest_rate	–	float	Interest rate for computing levelised costs (if required).
capex	CHF/kW	float	CAPEX cost of technology per unit of capacity.
maintenance_cost	CHF/kW/year	float	OPEX cost of technology per unit of capacity.

Waste-to-Energy Combined Heat and Power

Top key: waste_to_energy

Attribute	Unit	Data type	Description
deployment	–	bool	If set to ‘true’, the technology will be considered in the energy system model (this does not necessarily mean it will be used). Only relevant for optimisation.
kW_el_max	kW_el	str/float	Maximum electrical power output.
force_cap_max	kW	bool	Force implementation of maximum capacity specified in kW_el_max. Only relevant for optimisation.
cap_min_use	kW	float
annual_msw_supply	kg/year	str
hv_msw_MJpkg	MJ/kg	float	Lower heating value of municipal solid waste (MSW).
eta_el	–	float	Electrical conversion efficiency.
htp_ratio	kW_th/kW_el	float	Heat-to-power (htp) ratio (kW_th/kW_el)
msw_price_CHFpkg	CHF/kg	float	Price of municipal solid waste. Will usually be negative (i.e. revenue).
co2_intensity	kg CO2/kWh	float	Carbon-dioxide intensity of technology output (annual average value).
lifetime	years	int	Expected lifetime of technology before replacement is required.
capital_cost	CHF/kWp	float	CAPEX cost of technology per unit of capacity.
maintenance_cost	CHF/kWp/year	float	OPEX cost of technology per unit of capacity.
interest_rate	–	float	Interest rate for computing levelised costs (if required).

Heat Pump - centralised plant (cp)

Top key: heat_pump_cp

Attribute	Unit	Data type	Description
deployment	–	bool	If set to ‘true’, the technology will be considered in the energy system model (this does not necessarily mean it will be used). Only relevant for optimisation.
kW_th_max	kW	str	Maximum thermal power output
force_cap_max	–	bool
cap_min_use	kW	float
co2_intensity	kg CO2/kWh	int	Carbon-dioxide intensity of technology output (annual average value).
lifetime	years	int	Expected lifetime of technology before replacement is required.
capital_cost	CHF/kWp	float	CAPEX cost of technology per unit of capacity.
maintenance_cost	CHF/kWp/year	int	OPEX cost of technology per unit of capacity.
interest_rate	–	float	Interest rate for computing levelised costs (if required).
cop_mode	–	str
cop_timeseries_file_path	–	ndarray
cop_constant_value	–	float
spf_to_target	–	float
cop_source_temperature	–	str
cop_source_constant_temperature_value	°C	int
cop_hot_temperature	–	str
cop_hot_temperature_constant_temperature_value	°C	int
quality_factor	–	float

Other

Top key: other

Attribute	Unit	Data type	Description
deployment	–	bool
deployment	–	bool	If set to ‘true’, the technology will be considered in the energy system model (this does not necessarily mean it will be used). Only relevant for optimisation.

References

Ben-Kiki, Oren, Clark, Clark Evans, and Ingy döt Net. YAML Ain’t Markup Language (YAML™) Version 1.2 (3rd Edition). 2009.